By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 18: Sarawak’s tourism industry players must not turn a blind eye to problems affecting the sector but instead report them to the authorities for swift action, said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Highlighting concerns that some industry players hesitate to report issues such as faulty infrastructure and cleanliness, Abdul Karim stressed the importance of maintaining top-notch tourism products and services.
He warned that ignoring these problems could harm Sarawak’s reputation among visitors.
“The industry players—be it the guides or others in the travel sector—should be in the know because they are the ones on the ground.
“Sometimes they know, but they are too shy to inform the authorities. If they inform the ministry, we will take action. I will immediately inform the relevant authorities—whether it’s the council, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), or other agencies,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the Engagement Session with Sarawak Tourism Industry Players 2025 at a local hotel here today.
The minister also cited a past instance where his remarks on a national park’s condition led to swift action by SFC, including cleaning up the park’s facilities.
Abdul Karim urged tourism stakeholders to be proactive, noting that constructive feedback is essential for continuous improvement.
“The tourism industry must always be in excellent condition. If tourists encounter problems and voice complaints, we should not feel ashamed but take it as an opportunity to improve,” he said.
The minister further called on hotels and other service providers to maintain high standards and be proactive in addressing visitor concerns.
Meanwhile, on the engagement session itself, Abdul Karim said the programme is intended to provide briefings and information to Sarawak’s tourism industry players on available tourism products and services, while also supporting early preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
“I was informed that about 150 industry players participated in this session, and we hope that such engagements can be held regularly.
“Apart from strengthening relationships between Sarawak tourism industry players and Tourism Malaysia, it is also important for understanding opportunities, products, grants, and more,” he said.
Also present were Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer (CEO) Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor, Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) president Audry Wan Ullok, as well as other officials and guests. — DayakDaily
